Childminder in Hertfordshire

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children relish the time they spend with this highly positive, nurturing childminder. The childminder has a sensitive understanding of the diverse needs of each child. She consistently meets these with gentle, calm efficiency. This contributes significantly to children feeling settled and developing a strong sense of independence. They show natural curiosity and are adept at exploring independently, eagerly sharing their findings with the childminder. These skills successfully support them in becoming independent learners and being ready for school.

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The provision is outstanding

The childminder's unwavering commitment to supporting children to understand and respect each other is evident in all that the children do. They demonstrate an exceptionally mature approach to behaviour management and organising things fairly. For example, they very naturally take turns when playing basketball, lining up and eagerly cheering one another on. Children show immense care and concern for one another. For example, older children spontaneously offer words of support and comfort when younger ones are concerned about a bee passing through the garden. The childminder's extensive knowledge and her sensitive procedures and discussions support children in understanding wider aspects of safety and well- being. For example, they learn about respecting themselves and others and what they can do if they feel their personal safety is threatened.

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need to do better?

n Children make excellent progress and are exceptionally well prepared for future learning. The childminder has a highly perceptive understanding of each child's development and what they need to learn next. She offers children exciting play opportunities that enable them to build on their skills and take the next developmental step. The childminder meticulously monitors children's progress and ensures that no child falls behind in their learning. n The childminder continuously reviews her work to support her in making ongoing improvements. She conscientiously assesses activities to determine where these can be extended to help children make even further progress. The childminder completes a wealth of training, carefully evaluating what she has learnt so that she can best use this to further support children. n Children concentrate as they engage in exciting activities. For example, they sort through items and predict which ones will be magnetic. They then experiment

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need to do better?

with magnets and record the outcomes, noting that metallic items are magnetic. They are inspired to explore further and quickly understand the concept of 'attraction', eagerly explaining 'magnets can attract or repel'. n The childminder's excellent role modelling and her sensitive use of resources and discussions support children in understanding differences and appreciating

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need to do better?

2 April 2024 individuality. For example, they show a mature understanding of emotions, making independent choices about using the sensory area to help them think and calm down. They show respect for others when they choose to spend time alone. n Children become engrossed in their play, frequently setting themselves challenges and persisting until they succeed. For example, children develop their coordination and control of their smaller muscles as they try to stack short lengths of bamboo on top of each other. n Children reflect the childminder's positive approach and her genuine desire to support learning. For example, older children notice the younger ones playing with toy animals. They select books and read to them about the animals. This then inspires the younger children and they select further reference books and become captivated as they study these. n The childminder makes excellent use of all learning opportunities. For example,

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need to do better?

children enjoy making 'potions' and now grow their own herbs to add scent and colour to these. n The childminder's exceptional interaction with children supports them in developing their language and communication skills. She ensures that they have exciting resources to talk about. For instance, children add parsley to water, explaining that this is seaweed in the ocean. They add sea creatures and state 'listen carefully, the dolphin is talking in its own language'. n Parents speak exceptionally highly of the childminder, stating they 'could not have asked for better care and support'. They note the exceptional variety of activities offered to children. The childminder's excellent communication enables parents and the childminder to fully understand children's development and to work together to build on this.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY499167 Local authority Hertfordshire Inspection number 10335299 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 11 June 2018

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2016 and lives in Stevenage. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder provides funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken that into account in their evaluation of this setting. n The inspector observed activities indoors and outside and assessed the impact these have on children's learning. She talked with the childminder about how the early years provision is organised. n The childminder and inspector reviewed an activity together. n The inspector viewed relevant documentation, including the safeguarding procedures. n The inspector talked with children at appropriate times throughout the inspection and considered their views. She also reviewed written feedback from parents.

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Inspection activities

2 April 2024 We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

2 April 2024 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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